"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

Spiritual Preparedness–July 2013

Keep the Spirit of the Lord

One of the greatest resources we have to help us and bless us as we prepare for the coming of the Savior is the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We are told that when the Savior comes in his glory at the last day, those who have been “wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, […] shall abide the day.” (D&C 45:57) Parley P. Pratt explained how valuable the Holy Ghost can be to us. He said, “The Holy Ghost … quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature.”

Sometimes, we really do forget how much our Heavenly Father has made available to us. So, then, how can we utilize our many spiritual gifts, and how do we remain close to the spirit so that we do not risk deception? There are many things we can do, but one opportunity is given to us each week. We can listen to the sacrament prayers and contemplate the admonition to remember the Savior and keep his commandments. As we do so, we will continually invite the Spirit into our lives.

Also, after his death, Prophet Joseph Smith appeared to Brigham Young and had this to say:

“Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom…it will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God…”